If you look as these blogs you will see that I like cameras, all types of cameras. One type of camera that has generally not found a treasured place with me is the type called point and shoot. You know, the camera that you load with film and it sets shutter speed, aperture, and advances the film after the shot. Well, there are exceptions and one is the Canon AF35ML.
I will state early that I always liked this camera and that started long ago when I got my first one. The extent to which I like the AF35 is indicated by the fact that I now have three although someone let batteries deteriorate in one of them before I got it so it needs some work. Why do I like this camera so much?
First, it looks like a camera. In fact, it has the outward appearance of numerous classic rangefinder cameras from the 1950s and 1960s. But as my mother used to say, “pretty is as pretty does”, and the Canon AF35ML does quite pretty as shown later.
Second, the camera has physical attributes that enhance picture taking. Opening the back reveals the quick loading system that characterizes other classic Canon cameras. The leader is stretched across the frame to an orange index mark while making sure that the perforations in the film engage teeth on the sprocket and the back is closed. Like most cameras of this type it has a built in flash that is activated by pushing in downward which releases it from its normal position. This allows the flash to rise above the top of the camera and turns it on.
On the upper right hand had side of the back of the camera body is a switch that can be rotated to four positions. Those positions indicate Off, On, Battery Check, and Timer. Some cameras use rather exotic and expensive batteries, but in the AF35 ML power is supplied by two AA batteries that are held in a recess that is accessed by a tab on the bottom of the camera. After loading film and turning the selector switch to ON, pressing the shutter button two or three times will move the frame counter to position “1”. As the film is transported, an indicator consisting of red bars visible in a small window will jiggle indicating that the film is moving correctly.
Auto focusing is performed by a solid state triangulation (SST) system with auto focusing from three feet to infinity. Whereas many point and shoot cameras utilize lenses that have relatively large f values, the lens on the AF35 Canon consists of five elements and value of f/1.9. For a camera of this type, it is a superb lens. If the central focusing zone in the viewfinder is placed on a main subject and the shutter button is depressed half way, focus is established on that subject. The camera can then be moved to place the subject elsewhere in the frame and the subject will be in focus when the shot is taken. Film is automatically rewound when the roll is finished.
Automatically selected shutter speeds vary from 1/4 sec to 1/400 sec. A rotating ring around the lens mount can be moved to adjust for films with ISO100 to ISO400. After a photo is taken, the film is advanced automatically by the built in winder, and keeping the shutter button depressed gives continuous shooting. As indicated by the eagle, the Canon is capable of producing excellent photos.
To me, the Canon AF35 is greater than the sum of its parts. The body has a built-in hand grip on the right hand front of the body making it convenient to hold securely. The viewfinder is bright and has lines that indicate the area where focusing is done. When taking pictures, the photographer does not have to be concerned with settings to control exposure making it easier to concentrate on what is visible in the viewfinder. The camera has convenient size and weight so it is comfortable to use. With all this said, it is the superb lens that sets the AF35ML apart from most cameras of the point and shoot type. If the photographer uses the camera correctly, outstanding photos can be obtained.
I am already equipped with cameras, but there are numerous examples of the Canon AF35ML available as used cameras with prices far below the asking prices of some other cameras of the same general type. For most purposes, they can produce photos that are as good as most other 35mm cameras. If you find a Canon AF35ML and are interested in it, check the battery compartment that holds two common AA batteries rather than some expensive type. Many of these cameras (and others) still containing batteries are put in a resting place. When (not if) the batteries corrode, the connections may be damaged so check before buying. I have enjoyed getting reacquainted with my handy Canons, but now, to make one of the trio useable I need to work on the corroded battery compartment. If you come across an AF35ML in good condition, buy it, take some phots and send the film to Brooktree.
-Jim House
